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Bitter Melon
What is bitter melon? It’s not called that name without reason. It is probably the most bitter of all fruits, and yet one of the most nutritious too. Its elongated shape and warty exterior also make this fruit distinct in appearance.
But what is it exactly and why is it that bitter? What is it good for, anyway, when it is not pleasant to eat?
Technically, bitter melon is a fruit because it is that part of the plant that carries the seeds. But it is more easily considered a vegetable because of its color and taste. Also called bitter gourd and scientifically named “momordica charantia”, the bitter melon is Asian and may not be easily liked by the Western tongue. It is simply too bitter, even to an Asian who did not grow up eating it. It also grows in India, Africa and the Caribbean. It is a common item in most Asian stores around the United States.
Although it does turn yellow when ripe, it is best eaten when still green, crunchy and watery in texture. It is similar to chayote, cucumber or green bell pepper, except that it defeats all three of these when it comes to overpowering flavor. Why is it so bitter? The fruit’s high concentration of quinine makes it taste that way, almost inedible in some cases. But it is because of its bitter taste that it aids digestion. It is also because of its extremely bitter taste that it is regarded as medicinal in many countries around the world. It is used in a number of concoctions and is believed to be the key to eternal youth.
The Theory of Natural Selection suggests that all plant and animal species come up with ways to make themselves attractive to other members of their kind, or protective of themselves by smelling, looking or tasting offensive to a predator. With such a strong point of defensive offense, then, it would seem that the bitter melon is hiding something really special. And so it is.
This odd-looking fruit is rich in iron, vitamins, phosphorous and fiber. It has more beta carotene than broccoli, more calcium than spinach and more potassium than banana. Not only that, it can fight off tumor and malaria, and treat dyspepsia and constipation. Although requiring more studies and scientific proof, bitter melon may be used to inhibit cancer and HIV infection.
In some parts of the world, bitter melon is used to treat chickenpox, measles, herpes simplex, dysentery, fever, painful menstruation, burns, scabies and other skin problems.
But what exactly is in a bitter melon?
For every 100 grams, a boiled bitter melon contains carbohydrates (4.32 g), sugar (1.95 g), protein (0.84 g), water (93.95 g), calcium (1 mg), iron (0.38 mg), sodium (6 mg) and zinc (0.77 mg), as well as Vitamins A, B, C, E and K.
Who would want to eat something as bitter?
Other than those who believe in bitter melon health benefits including the ability to treat the many illnesses earlier mentioned, people who have eased into making the bitter melon a part of their regular cuisine actually eat it for its bitterness. (Bitter melon recipes here) It is deliciously bitter as it is surprisingly nutritious. What is bitter melon, then, but a curious product of nature, to be enjoyed and marveled at alike for its balance of good (the amazing nutrition within it) and bad (the wicked bitterness of its flavor)?
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Fenugreek
Saw Palmetto
Ayurvedic Herbs
“What are fennel seeds?” A question everyone seems to ask on first encounter with the famous herbal and spice staples. Fennel seeds come from fennel, a perennial plant grown originally in Southern Europe. It is sometimes called sweet fennel and the fruit is popularly known as fennel seed. Technically, “fennel seeds” are not seeds at all but the dried fruit of the plant.
Damiana grows naturally throughout Mexico and in the Southwest areas of the United States. For hundreds of years, the Aztecs and Mayans used Damiana herb as an aphrodisiac, commonly taken in the form of liqueur or tea. It is believed that a certain chemical component in Damiana acts directly to increase sexual desire and even increases the intensity of sensations felt during sexual contact. With this, it is one of the few natural substances that have been recognized to directly enhance sexual prowess in both men and women.
One of the popular herbs that are worth considering for health is milk thistle extract. Studies claim that this plant has promise in the treatment of certain forms of cancer. It is even loaded with more antioxidants than the usual vitamins like Vitamin E. The extract is taken from the seeds of dried milk thistle flowers.
Damiana herb is a small perennial shrub commonly found in Central and South America. Reports from Spanish missionaries state that the Mexican Indians used Damiana tea to enhance their sexual prowess. As a supplement, it is used to treat various medical conditions, but many of its indications are purely from anecdotal evidences. It is popular as a natural libido-enhancer mainly for women, and in this area, there are several researches to back its efficacy. Based on evidence, it shows that the effects of this plant are not immediate. It usually takes four to six weeks of continuous use before you see any results.
Many medicinal herbal remedies have a reputation for alleviating symptoms of different illnesses. And usually, traditional herbal medicines are often taken to treat the body holistically rather than to treat individual symptoms, formulated to reinforce the body’s natural healing mechanism. One popular herb of this type today is milk thistle. What is milk thistle? Also known as Mary thistle, holy thistle and even sylymarin, this herb has a strong reputation of detoxifying the liver. However, little is known about its other health benefits.
There are two known varieties of the plant fennel. The bulb variety is called Florence fennel or finocchio while the feathery plant is called fennel or sweet fennel. Sweet fennels, scientifically named Foeniculum vulgare, are most commonly known as fennel seeds. Fennel seeds are actually not really seeds but the fruit from the dried, dead flowers of the plant that looks exactly like a seed. Out of practice and habit, the fruit became known as “seeds”.
















